Just as the allied crews collapsed and fled, while Whitebeard's Main Crew was still gritting their teeth and holding out—
A piercing phoenix cry suddenly tore across the battlefield!
"Screee—!!!"
The cry was high and sharp, as though it had slashed down from the depths of the clouds.
Everyone instinctively looked up.
High above, Blue Flames fell like rain.
Vast swathes of fire rained down from the sky, passing through smoke and artillery fire as they scattered over Whitebeard's Main Crew's battle line.
"Pineapple Gravel!"
Below the clouds, Marco had completely transformed into a Blue-Flame Phoenix.
His wings spread wide, blue flames blanketing half the sky.
With a flap of his wings, countless blue sparks fell into the battlefield like meteors, landing upon the injured Whitebeard Pirates commanders and main crew pirates.
A pirate whose chest had been torn open by sword energy saw his wound rapidly stop bleeding.
A Whitebeard Pirates member whose shoulder had been pierced by gunfire gritted his teeth and stood back up.
Even the wounded commanders like Fossa and Haruta visibly recovered beneath the cover of the Blue Flames.
Torn flesh began to heal, and bodies so exhausted they were about to collapse were filled with strength once more.
"The wounds... they're healing!"
"It's Commander Marco!"
"We can still fight!"
"Don't retreat! Pops is still here!"
Whitebeard's Main Crew, which had nearly been forced back by the Marines, had their morale forcibly pulled back in an instant.
The pirates who had already begun to waver tightened their grips on their weapons again, murderous glints reigniting in their eyes.
Gion looked up at the sky, her gaze suddenly turning grave.
"Phoenix Marco."
Of course she understood what this meant. Ordinary healing abilities could only save a few people.
But once Marco's Blue Flames covered the battlefield,